He'll meet Chicago's Kyle Hendricks in the deciding game of the series, set for 8 p.m. ET (TBS) at Nationals Park.

Gonzalez lasted five innings in his Game 2 start Saturday in D.C., allowing three hits, including a two-run homer to Anthony Rizzo in Washington's 6-3 win. He got no decision.

Though he is 15-9 (2.96 ERA), Gonzalez is only 2-4 since Aug. 31 and can be expected to be on a short leash in the elimination game.

Perhaps outside of Game 4 winner Stephen Strasburg, Nationals manager Dusty Baker will have his entire pitching staff at his disposal, including Max Scherzer, who went 6 1/3 innings in Monday's 2-1 loss, allowing only one run and striking out seven.

The winner of Thursday's game advances to the NL Championship Series against the Dodgers, beginning Saturday in Los Angeles.